Long before Bhangra Boy and I had the opportunity to meet, I had heard so many wonderful things about him. Liberal Lady gave me details on his charismatic character. She used words such as 'attentive', 'understanding' to give me an idea of the type of person Bhangra Boy was to her.
During July 4th weekend of 2005, Liberal Lady brought Bhangra Boy to my home so I could finally meet him. As soon as I saw him, I could see what it was about him that she loved so much.
First of all, Bhangra Boy looked at Liberal Lady as though it was the first time he had ever seen her. He never failed to ask her opinion on matters, and always seemed to beam when she was eloquently speaking. The fact that he could handle a very independent woman like Liberal Lady was amazing enough, but he continued to exceed my expectations in just his demeanor to myself and my husband.
Over the past year, I have come to know him much better. He is a talented musician and dancer. He even taught Indian Bhangra dance in the past! (Hence the name Bhangra Boy). He has a passion for community work just like Liberal Lady. He even is a devout and spiritual practicing Hindu. Every time I meet him, I learn something new, and I feel happier for Liberal Lady because I know she has found her 'Knight in Shining Armor.'
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Friday, August 18, 2006
5 Ways to Relieve Wedding Stress
Wedding planning is stressful - there's no two ways about it. Regardless of whether you've got the wedding party from heaven or if your families are super helpful and accommodating, it's still a stressful process.
Here are a few easy distressing methods that won't leave you atop a mountain of credit card debt or hungover in the morning:
1) A warm, sudsy bath and a good book: I know, you're thinking a bubble bath? You've got to be kidding me. But the truth is that baths are great stress relievers and it offers a few unfettered moments to curl up and think about something other than guest lists and place settings.
2) A back massage: You have a fiance, put him to good use by allowing him to give you a nice back massage. Not only will it relieve those traitorous stress knots in your back, but it will allow you to get a little closer, without fumes shooting from your ears.
3) A long walk or jog: Nothing is more reviving after a stressful day then decompressing with a little invigorating exercise. If you are particularly upset, run as fast as you can.
4) Deep breaths: Okay, it might sound a little corny, but in the height of stress for me this was my number one stress fighting tool. Deep breathing helped me to relax a lot so that I could go on without maiming anyone.
5) A night out: Whether it's with the girls or with your bethroved, a night out without considering wedding plans can help a lot. Hit a local club or go into the nearest city for some great food and fun entertainment. Whatever your idea of a night out is, banish the wedding woes and enjoy yourself.
Here are a few easy distressing methods that won't leave you atop a mountain of credit card debt or hungover in the morning:
1) A warm, sudsy bath and a good book: I know, you're thinking a bubble bath? You've got to be kidding me. But the truth is that baths are great stress relievers and it offers a few unfettered moments to curl up and think about something other than guest lists and place settings.
2) A back massage: You have a fiance, put him to good use by allowing him to give you a nice back massage. Not only will it relieve those traitorous stress knots in your back, but it will allow you to get a little closer, without fumes shooting from your ears.
3) A long walk or jog: Nothing is more reviving after a stressful day then decompressing with a little invigorating exercise. If you are particularly upset, run as fast as you can.
4) Deep breaths: Okay, it might sound a little corny, but in the height of stress for me this was my number one stress fighting tool. Deep breathing helped me to relax a lot so that I could go on without maiming anyone.
5) A night out: Whether it's with the girls or with your bethroved, a night out without considering wedding plans can help a lot. Hit a local club or go into the nearest city for some great food and fun entertainment. Whatever your idea of a night out is, banish the wedding woes and enjoy yourself.
Monday, August 14, 2006
Five Budget Tips when booking Reception Halls
On a budget? Don't sweat it!
A previous post covered the essentials on how and why it is important to book your reception hall/venue. This post will give you a few key tips on saving money when it comes to negotiating the dollar amount for the venue of your choosing into easy bullets below.
Budget Tips:
#1 Never book your party for a Saturday evening!
This time slot is the most sought after, and therefore in the highest demand. Save a significant sum throwing the party in the afternoon or even a weekday evening.
#2 If possible, book the party on an unusual holiday when most people do not get married.
An example of this is my wedding. I had my wedding on Halloween. No, it was not a goth wedding and I was not wearing a black dress. It worked out perfectly and I saved a ton of money too!
#3 Book the venue when it is not wedding season.
Depending on the region the high and low times for weddings vary. In the Northeast, typically the season starts at the beginning of spring and ends at the end of Fall, therefore making Winter the perfect money saving time to book the venue.
#4 If possible, do not make it an open bar occasion.
Now, personally I don't like giving this tip to people since I know a little alcohol can go a long way. It's pretty annoying to have to pay for a drink at a wedding. However, if you are trying to save money, this can definitely help you save a few dollars.
#5 Pick a room with a capacity limit and invite only close friends and family.
This seems obvious but you would be surprised how many distant cousins suddenly come out of the woodwork when they find out you are getting married. A good rule of thumb when inviting guests, if they do not know you by name, then they are not invited. If you come across people upset they are not invited, you always have the option of telling the truth that there is a capacity limit in the hall and you are very sorry.
A previous post covered the essentials on how and why it is important to book your reception hall/venue. This post will give you a few key tips on saving money when it comes to negotiating the dollar amount for the venue of your choosing into easy bullets below.
Budget Tips:
#1 Never book your party for a Saturday evening!
This time slot is the most sought after, and therefore in the highest demand. Save a significant sum throwing the party in the afternoon or even a weekday evening.
#2 If possible, book the party on an unusual holiday when most people do not get married.
An example of this is my wedding. I had my wedding on Halloween. No, it was not a goth wedding and I was not wearing a black dress. It worked out perfectly and I saved a ton of money too!
#3 Book the venue when it is not wedding season.
Depending on the region the high and low times for weddings vary. In the Northeast, typically the season starts at the beginning of spring and ends at the end of Fall, therefore making Winter the perfect money saving time to book the venue.
#4 If possible, do not make it an open bar occasion.
Now, personally I don't like giving this tip to people since I know a little alcohol can go a long way. It's pretty annoying to have to pay for a drink at a wedding. However, if you are trying to save money, this can definitely help you save a few dollars.
#5 Pick a room with a capacity limit and invite only close friends and family.
This seems obvious but you would be surprised how many distant cousins suddenly come out of the woodwork when they find out you are getting married. A good rule of thumb when inviting guests, if they do not know you by name, then they are not invited. If you come across people upset they are not invited, you always have the option of telling the truth that there is a capacity limit in the hall and you are very sorry.
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